Dynamic Control Surfaces for Extreme Maneuvers of UUVs Navy SBIR FY2009.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2009.2 Topic No.: N092-143 Topic Title: Dynamic Control Surfaces for Extreme Maneuvers of UUVs Proposal No.: N092-143-0539 Firm: Scientific Systems Company, Inc 500 West Cummings Park - Ste 3000 Woburn, Massachusetts 01801 Contact: Jovan Boscovic Phone: (781) 933-5355 Web Site: www.ssci.com Abstract: By exploiting fish locomotion principles, we are going to address truly difficult control challenges such as station keeping under large perturbations, rapid maneuvering, and trajectory planning and tracking. The analysis of biological control surface design, composition, and capabilities will be applied to nautical vessels to enhance performance and maneuverability and reduce detection. We will study the optimal shape and size of the control surfaces to reduce drag and increase thrust. The trade-off between stability and maneuverability is also an important design factor. In collaboration with Prof. Michael Triantafyllou (MIT) and Prof. David Barret (Olin College) we will demonstrate our results on small UUVs in their state-of-the-art laboratories. Benefits: The basics design of submarine control surfaces have changed very little in the last 60 years. New, biologically-inpsired control surfaces will radically increase the maneuvering capabilities of submarines operating in shallower, littoral waters. Commercial and industrial applications of biologically-inspired control surfaces include the design of manned and unmanned vehicles for use in petroleum production, aquaculture, and underwater construction, allowing for greater maneuverability on hazardous job sites where currents or water conditions make diving difficult or dangerous. The general principles of these control systems may be generalized to other industries, such as wind turbine design and unmanned micro-aerial vehicles. Return